Monthly Archives:: February 2013

So I just took test number 3 after changing my study method completely and
have never felt so disappointed about a test. I usually study in groups but
this time decided to study by myself instead. It had the opposite effect
than what I’d intended and I completely blanked out on the test. I know
that there’s still time to bring it up but am really worried as it seems
the possibility of getting an A is shot. I know though that I am learning
the material and have a good understanding of what’s going on. I just need
to focus on improving my time management more on and outside of tests. I’ve
never had test anxiety before yet I’m seeing a lot of it with this class.
It worries me but I know it’s nothing I can’t take control of.

So I just took test number 3 after changing my study method completely and
have never felt so disappointed about a test. I usually study in groups but
this time decided to study by myself instead. It had the opposite effect
than what I’d intended and I completely blanked out on the test. I know
that there’s still time to bring it up but am really worried as it seems
the possibility of getting an A is shot. I know though that I am learning
the material and have a good understanding of what’s going on. I just need
to focus on improving my time management more on and outside of tests. I’ve
never had test anxiety before yet I’m seeing a lot of it with this class.
It worries me but I know it’s nothing I can’t take control of.

I did really bad on the first 3 exams because the method that I used to study for the exam is wrong. Instead of paying full attention and participating in class, I believed that I would be fine by just reading the book just like what I did in my past classes. The questions on the test are based on lecture and some applications that requires critical thinking. The biology part in particular is the part that I have most trouble with. However, after the 3rd test, I can now predict what is going to be on the exam.

Our class used 12 critters, but the analysis most group did not support all hypothesis. One reason is that metabolic rate per mass is inversely proportional to mass). We compared concentration of oxygen/mass of ectotherms to endotherms, but endotherms included two heavy critters, rabbit and guinea pig, so because of the hypothesis, the metabolic rate per mass is inversely proportional to mass, most of the analysis are affected by the hypothesis rare than what we should check. To solve this problem, we should control other factors which affect our data and result in less accuracy.

Today, was a real workout! We did the VO2 lab and I had no idea we would be killing ourselves for the sake of it. I attached a picture of my partner who beat me at our sprint exercise. He’s a champ, with his long legs. Ha. Today inspired me to start getting back in shape, at least build up an endurance where I don’t get tired within 5 mins of training. Pathetic.

For the latest test, I did a study group session and alsoa little bit of SI session. The test was quite hard for me and well… I hope I can get a decent grade. The critter lab was very interesting for me as there are many kinds of animal and not only hamsters everywhere. I actually wanted to bring a dog, but sadly no dogs area allowed.

I love that students in this class are like a family. There is a couch, a microwave, coffee powder along with cups and utensils, and a refrigerator ! Students just chill here after class. That is a good thing about being in a hard class, we are all in this together and we have to to stay sane..

This Bio/Chem combo class is extremely hard… I just can’t predict these questions being asked or what I need to know. So… during test III when I figured out a question 5min before the given time I was so excited! It was the second to last question, 7 points, and I kept staring at it for the longest time. I usually would not make the connection,but it was probably because of the ample sleep, breakfast and calm demeanor I was able to put the pieces together. I really thank Rafik because he told us when we see an unfamiliar question, do not panic, take it step by step, do what you would normally do for similar type of questions, and find out the missing variable and it worked 😀 The most important thing is to find out what you don’t know. Thanks Rafik!

We had an amazing – but faulty – critter lab! Though it was sad to be experimenting using small animals, it was awesome because the class seemed to have come to life. I even got to take two hamsters and a rabbit home. I’m still hoping to keep the rabbit because my mother doesn’t want to cause my father loves it, but hamsters are mine forever! Sadly, they distracted me for a day~

I am so excited that the spring break is finally coming in 2 days. Although haven’t had any plan yet, I think food would definitely the mosting important thing for me to heal my “broken” heart! ^_^ I am a typcial Chinese, which food always comes the first! The picture is my cooking. I love my cooking, but I don’t cook a lot because it’s very time and energy consuming. I am interested in a wide range of foods; if anyone wants to teach me something, I am glad to hear!